Motor Authority - blog Category: Crossover

Saab’s split from General Motors and pending sale to supercar company Koenigsegg will apparently have no major affect on the Swedish automaker’s future model launches, such as that of the upcoming 9-4X crossover. The new crossover will share much in common with the recently-revealed Cadillac SRX and is to be manufactured by GM at the same Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico as the Cadillac later this year.

This close association and GM’s precarious financial state had many worried that the 9-4X could be delayed, but according to GM's executive director of product and marketing for Cadillac, Hummer and Saab, Steve Shannon, the... Saab’s split from General Motors and pending sale to supercar company Koenigsegg will apparently have no major affect on the Swedish automaker’s future model launches, such as that of the upcoming 9-4X crossover. The new crossover will share much in common with the recently-revealed Cadillac SRX and is to be manufactured by GM at the same Ramos Arizpe facility in Mexico as the Cadillac later this year. This close association and GM’s precarious financial state had many worried that the 9-4X could be delayed, but according to GM's executive director of product and marketing for Cadillac, Hummer and Saab, Steve Shannon, the new model will be launched next year as a 2011 model. Speaking with Automotive News, Shannon explained that the 9-4X will be positioned as the replacement for the poor selling 9-7X. Shannon also revealed that GM has sent new dealership agreements to owners of Saab's 220 U.S. dealerships. Under the agreement, the dealerships would continue selling vehicles under the new owner, a consortium led by tiny Koenigsegg. The 9-4X will be similar in size to BMW’s X5 but pricing should be closer to that of the X3 and Volvo XC60 – two of the Saab crossover’s prime targets. According to previous reports, the 9-4X will run a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It will also get 18in alloys shod with 255mm tires and a Haldex-sourced AWD system with an electronic differential. For European markets GM is also expected to offer a turbodiesel unit delivering 250hp (184kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. While development work on the 9-4X appears to be almost complete, Saab will be introducing two models before the arrival of the new crossover - the smaller 9-3X crossover and the all-important 2010 9-5.2010 Saab 9-4X spy shotsSaab 9-4X BioPower Concept Read More

Crossovers are the new wagons, according to popular wisdom, but at Volvo the heritage is clearly visible. Its wagon-like crossovers in the XC line have met with great success in the U.S., together with the various wagon lines accounting for about half of the company's sales in recent years. The 2010 XC60, revealed at last year's Geneva Motor Show, adds a smaller, sportier angle to the company's repertoire. Today, the company has expanded the XC lineup in the U.S. with the addition of a new 3.2L model, which joins the existing 3.0L T6 turbocharged model.

Pricing for the 235hp (175kW) 3.2L FWD model has been set at $32,395 plus an $850... Crossovers are the new wagons, according to popular wisdom, but at Volvo the heritage is clearly visible. Its wagon-like crossovers in the XC line have met with great success in the U.S., together with the various wagon lines accounting for about half of the company's sales in recent years. The 2010 XC60, revealed at last year's Geneva Motor Show, adds a smaller, sportier angle to the company's repertoire. Today, the company has expanded the XC lineup in the U.S. with the addition of a new 3.2L model, which joins the existing 3.0L T6 turbocharged model. Pricing for the 235hp (175kW) 3.2L FWD model has been set at $32,395 plus an $850 destination charge, while the AWD version will set you back $34,395 plus the destination charge. Pricing for the 281hp (209kW) 3.0L T6 remains at $37,200 plus $850 in destination charges for the base FWD model. The XC60's new normally aspirated 3.2L is the same engine that powers the base S80 flagship sedan introduced in 2008 and comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is impressive, with a claimed 27mpg for highway and 18mpg for the urban cycle. Additionally, Volvo offers two version of the 3.2L engine with either ULEV-II (ultra low emissions) or PZEV (partial zero emissions) systems. Standard equipment includes 17in alloy wheels, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, Bluetooth with hands free capability, dual zone climate control, front fog lamps, HD Radio, an eight speaker stereo, and a six month subscription to Sirius’ satellite radio network. The XC60 is claimed to be the safest Volvo ever, featuring a host of new safety technologies including the latest ‘City Safety’ automatic braking system as standard. The City Safety feature is primarily aimed at mitigating damage in collisions at speeds at or below 19mph. Other safety features include anti-rollover stability, pretensioned seatbelts in all seating positions, an inflatable side curtain for front and rear passengers and a high-strength boron steel roof structure. Key competitors in the premium crossover market include the BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Mercedes Benz GLK, and Audi Q5.Volvo XC60 Crossover Read More

With another surprisingly attractive and forward-looking design, Hyundai's Nuvis Concept carries on the string of successful show concepts for the brand. The Nuvis is a crossover that's intended to make the most of an urban lifestyle, taking elements from many body styles to fit a unique set of needs.

Part coupe, part hatch and part SUV, the Nuvis takes a new look at what the crossover ought to be. “Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of,” said John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager. “There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still.”

... With another surprisingly attractive and forward-looking design, Hyundai's Nuvis Concept carries on the string of successful show concepts for the brand. The Nuvis is a crossover that's intended to make the most of an urban lifestyle, taking elements from many body styles to fit a unique set of needs. Part coupe, part hatch and part SUV, the Nuvis takes a new look at what the crossover ought to be. “Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of,” said John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager. “There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still.” The exterior epitomizes Hyundai's latest round of design thought and takes it to the next level with a huge set of gullwing doors. Sharp 22in wheels give the car an even more dramatic look, and with the current trends in production car wheels, they can't be ruled out for final production should the Nuvis, or something like it, be approved. Inside, the dynamic theme continues with heavily contoured and curvaceous surfaces. Typically concept-only, expect a much tamer version of Hyundai's current interiors to grace any eventual production example, just as the gullwings are likely to be replaced with a standard two or four-door configuration. Power for the concept comes from a Theta II 2.4L engine coupled to a 30kW hybrid system and a six-speed automatic transmission. Start-stop, custom acceleration and deceleration maps, exhaust gas recirculation and regenerative braking all play a role in the BlueDrive system. Interestingly, the Hyundai hybrid system uses lithium polymer - not lithium ion - for its battery pack, maximizing storage capacity while minimizing weight and space, fitting 5.3Ah and 270V output into the package. At an estimated 3,400lbs and 228hp (170kW), the combination promises strong fuel economy (34mpg city/35mpg highway estimated) and low emissions while maintaining the ability to navigate even the quickest and fiercest U.S. streets. The same hybrid drive system will soon debut in the Sonata in the U.S. For more of Hyundai's recent concepts, check out the HED-6 ixonic and Blue Will.Hyundai Nuvis Concept Read More

The latest entry to Acura's range is a curious one, taking cues from the BMW X6 and 5-series GT school of design thought, seeking a way to combine the sport of a four-door coupe with the utility of a slightly taller vehicle. Whether it's a success or not rests entirely in the eyes of the beholder, but it's sure to spark debate amongst the dedicated.

Already spied in testing on the Nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage, the new ZDX was unveiled on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The 'concept' version of the vehicle was teased ahead of its debut, and the ZDX name was also let out early, leaving just the full photography and... The latest entry to Acura's range is a curious one, taking cues from the BMW X6 and 5-series GT school of design thought, seeking a way to combine the sport of a four-door coupe with the utility of a slightly taller vehicle. Whether it's a success or not rests entirely in the eyes of the beholder, but it's sure to spark debate amongst the dedicated. Already spied in testing on the Nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage, the new ZDX was unveiled on the floor of the New York Auto Show today. The 'concept' version of the vehicle was teased ahead of its debut, and the ZDX name was also let out early, leaving just the full photography and technical details for today's reveal. Though it's technically a 'prototype' vehicle, the ZDX is slated to arrive as a production model this fall. “The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. "The emotional coupe styling coupled with a luxurious and dramatic interior and surprising versatility, allows the ZDX to define its own segment and attract an entirely new customer." As mentioned before, BMW seems to have carved its own niche in this area, so it might not really hold all of that new, segment-defining power, despite being a definite step outside the box of normal design tendencies at Acura. Key design elements in the ZDX include the much-maligned 'beaver-tooth' grille that Acura has spread across the brand of late, a unique exhaust outlet/taillight combo that seems destined for a redesign before making full-scale production. Stealthed C-pillar rear door handles and 20in alloy wheels are likely to remain, though the larger wheels will probably be an optional upgrade from standard 18in units. The production ZDX will be based on the current MDX SUV, though it will get a more powerful version of Acura’s 300hp (225kW) 3.7L V6 as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission mated to Acura's Super-Handling AWD (SHAWD) system for improved all-weather grip and better dry-weather performance. Positioning and pricing will also be higher than the MDX, which means you can expect to pay between $42,000 and $49,000 for the new model. This premium price point is reflected in the interior, where an emphasis was placed on getting the most out of the space as well as designing a top-tier driver and passenger experience with things like paddle shifters and a panoramic glass roof to open up the five-passenger cabin. The company bills the ZDX as Acura's next step toward 'Tier 1' luxury status, making the choice of sports crossover/four-door coupe all the more mystifying. Nevertheless, Acura has high hopes for the vehicle and their success as a serious high-end marque.2010 Acura SUV crossover spy shotsAcura ZDX Prototype four-door coupe Read More

For many readers of this site the Dacia name will be largely unknown but those in the know will immediately recognize it as Renault’s budget brand for emerging markets. For years the Dacia name could only be found on a limited range of econo sedans but lately it has been showing up at international car shows for several exciting new concepts.

The latest is the new Dacia Duster – the brand’s first crossover concept. Seen from the driver’s side, it appears like a sporty coupe, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door for easy... For many readers of this site the Dacia name will be largely unknown but those in the know will immediately recognize it as Renault’s budget brand for emerging markets. For years the Dacia name could only be found on a limited range of econo sedans but lately it has been showing up at international car shows for several exciting new concepts. The latest is the new Dacia Duster – the brand’s first crossover concept. Seen from the driver’s side, it appears like a sporty coupe, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door for easy access. The concept vehicle stands at 1.49m, stretches 4.25m in length, and 1.64m across. Its front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits feeding cold air to a 1.5 dCi 105hp (77kW) engine. Fuel economy for the compact mill rates in 44mpg (5.2L/100km). The grey bodywork and one-piece glazed window – made possible by the absence of a central pillar – highlights the styling of the sides and gives the vehicle a distinct profile. Completing the exterior is a set of 21in alloy wheels and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes. The interior features a special two-tone look and sculptured seats that are actually integrated into the vehicle structure. The dash, while complicated in style, is built from simple low cost materials and is small enough to allow up to 280mm of legroom for front passengers. Dacia hasn’t mentioned any plans to build a vehicle based on the new Duster but we can surmise some of its elements filtering across to the production world. Expect more details to be released following its debut this week at the Geneva Motor Show.2009 Dacia Duster concept car2009 Dacia Duster concept at Geneva Motor Show Read More

Saab is close to completing development work on a new midsized crossover based around GM’s Theta platform and expected to be revealed for the first time in production late this year for sale in early 2010. To spread development costs, most of the 9-4X’s design has been shared with the 2010 Cadillac SRX and both vehicles are tipped to be manufactured at a plant in Ramos, Mexico.

The 9-4X will be similar in size to BMW’s X5 but pricing should be closer to that of the X3 and Volvo XC60 – two of the Saab crossover’s prime targets.

According to previous reports, the 9-4X will run a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine... Saab is close to completing development work on a new midsized crossover based around GM’s Theta platform and expected to be revealed for the first time in production late this year for sale in early 2010. To spread development costs, most of the 9-4X’s design has been shared with the 2010 Cadillac SRX and both vehicles are tipped to be manufactured at a plant in Ramos, Mexico. The 9-4X will be similar in size to BMW’s X5 but pricing should be closer to that of the X3 and Volvo XC60 – two of the Saab crossover’s prime targets. According to previous reports, the 9-4X will run a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It will also get 18in alloys shod with 255mm tires and a Haldex-sourced AWD system with an electronic differential. For European markets GM is also expected to offer a new diesel mill it co-developed with VM Motori that outputs 250hp (184kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. These latest spy shots show an almost undisguised 9-4X prototype with the only some black tape and fake lights distinguishing it from the production version. While development work on the 9-4X appears to be almost complete, Saab will be introducing two models before the arrival of the new crossover - the smaller 9-3X crossover and the all-important 2010 9-5.2010 Saab 9-4X spy shotsSaab 9-4X BioPower Concept Read More